Guideline for Postpartum Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep

A new Canadian Clinical Guideline for the postpartum period…

The fourth trimester (i.e. the weeks and months following birth) is a period involving abrupt changes in the physiological and psychological health of a postpartum individual. During this time, postpartum individuals have an increased risk of depression, weight retention, sleep disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, especially if they experienced complications during pregnancy. These conditions can have significant consequences for short- and long-term health and well-being for both the postpartum individual and the infant. This period is now believed to be a unique and crucial window of opportunity to identify those at high risk for future chronic disease and implement early interventions to improve lifelong health. Physical activity has been shown to be useful for improving health outcomes in most population. However, we need to be mindful of the unique challenges and barriers to participation in physical activity (ex. mode of delivery, breastfeeding, pelvic floor dysfunction, mental health, infant care) in the postpartum period. 

We now also know that time spent in sedentary behaviour is a significant health concern, and poor sleep has adverse effects on physical and physiological health (2). In the general population, moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) has been shown to attenuate the relationship between high sedentary time and increased risk of mortality (3). This is relevant to postpartum individuals regardless of breastfeeding status, gender, cultural background, disability, or socioeconomic status. 

This guideline aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep throughout the first year postpartum to promote maternal and infant health outcomes. This key health question was investigated: What is the relationship between 1) physical activity, 2) sedentary behaviour, and 3) sleep and health outcomes in the first year postpartum? 

This week’s Research Review: Guideline for Postpartum Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep

This paper was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2025)

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